THE future of a ‘vital lifeline’ bus service in west Dorset remains uncertain, as a transport service steps in to offer itself as a replacement.

Dorset Community Transport has confirmed its intention to offer its services to users of the Axe Valley Ring & Ride Service.

But a spokesperson for the ring & ride service, which provides transport for around 33 rural villages in west Dorset, says a decision won't be made on its future until December. 

Axe Valley Ring & Ride Service had previously announced that it was to close the Dorset leg of its offering, which provided door-to-door transport to take vulnerable people to shopping destinations and hospital appointments. 

Due to financial difficulties following the impact of Covid and a lack of funding, users were notified that it will no longer be available in west Dorset following 22 years of service - although it would continue in east Devon, Uplyme and Lyme Regis where there is financial support from local authorities.

Described as a ‘vital lifeline,’ its users have been lobbying the council and West Dorset MP Chris Loder to bring back the service, which was originally set to close before Christmas.

Blandford-based Dorset Community Transport already operates a dial-a-ride service for individuals and communities and has has confirmed its intention to offer its services to customers of the Axe Valley Ring & Ride.

But there is still uncertainty around whether the Axe Valley service will continue in Dorset beyond the New Year, with a spokesperson saying: “we will confirm what is happening in December, which would be the time for the next six months timetables to go out.”

The spokesperson went on to say that they don’t think their service can be replaced as they ‘actually pick up people from each home who booked.’

They did say that the Dorset Community Transport has expressed interest in covering the areas but said: “Dorset Community Trust would be interested in covering our areas if any passengers can make it to the main road and are able to carry their shopping.

“They have expressed an interest in what we do so shall be sending them our timetables for information,” they added.

Bob Driscoll, chairman of the West Dorset Western Area Transport Action Group (WATAG), said: “We were very anxious about the implications of the West Dorset Ring & Ride service disappearing from West Dorset. DCT has of course already stepped in when several of the rural community services were withdrawn, which are for many communities a lifeline and the only form of public transport.”

Tim Christian, general manager of Dorset Community Transport, said: “We know that an uninterrupted change of provider is vital to ensure continuity for those who rely on the service. 

"With the support and efforts of WATAG and Chris Loder MP, we hope to reach out to the affected users and are confident our existing services in the region can adapt to incorporate those communities.”

Mr Loder said: “I’m delighted that the DCT has offered to provide dial-a-ride services to customers in West Dorset who use the Ring & Ride service. This is a fruitful outcome, and I would urge customers to contact DCT to see if they can help with one of their excellent services.”